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Book Review: MOST WANTED(2018) – Give Qi’ra a Solo Film!

Most Wanted Cover Image
By: Rae Carson

Publisher’s Summary

“Set before the events of Solo: A Star Wars Story! Han and Qi’ra don’t have a lot in common other than not having a lot. They’re street kids on the industrial planet Corellia, doing whatever it takes to get by, dreaming of something more. They each jump at a chance to prove themselves in the perilous world of Corellia’s criminal underbelly, only to discover they are on the same mission for the same unscrupulous boss. When the job goes disastrously wrong, Han and Qi’ra are on the run–from pirates, a droid crime syndicate, the Empire, and their boss–and will have to learn to trust each other if they are going to survive.”

From the publisher

There will be minor spoilers for Solo down below.

This book is a prequel to Solo: A Star Wars Story which takes place in between Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope. As a prequel, it works for an introduction to Lady Proxima, as well as Qi’ra. For Han, we get some insight into his character and why he is who he is. But for Most Wanted, Qi’ra is the star, and we see more of her character development than anything. The book chronicles the beginnings of Qi’ra and Han’s relationship, and how they go from gruff street rats, to friendly supportive ones.

The Bad

The biggest issue I had with this book is that it ties in too much to the trilogy. Let me explain: we follow Qi’ra and Han through the book as they try and solve how they will get rid of a data cube containing plans related to a shield generator from the Empire. We have here, another story in the Star Wars universe where the Empire just had to be involved. I have a huge problem with this, because as it’s been said time and time again; there is a huge galaxy out there. Why are we stuck on this one focal point?

Yes, it is set in the correct time period for the Empire to be involved. Yes, the Empire had a far reach grasp. But we’re on Corellia for goodness sakes. There could have been some other way for Han and Qi’ra to get involved, and we could have not mentioned the Empire at all. Is it good to show an overwhelming connection to the outside galaxy? Sure, it is. There’s some really great “why’s” we get here that explain Qi’ra’s character in Solo and why she chooses to take over Crimson Dawn at the end of the movie.

The Good

Qi’ra’s a planner. She could have taken a job in this book that took her away from Corellia, but chose not to, to stay with her friends, with Han. Han was grateful, and showed so when he nominated her for the position of Head with Lady Proxima. But then with the beginning of Solo, Han leaves her when Qi’ra is caught by Lady Proxima’s scrum rats. Yes, he says he’ll come back, but he doesn’t. Qi’ra doesn’t want to take that chance again, so she does what is best for her, and makes the decision to move forward and go work with Darth Maul, for the benefit of herself, and the Crimson Dawn.

The book is well fleshed out, story is mostly great. I like seeing Qi’ra and Han together, and Tsuulo is a nice addition to provide some levity to the group. I believe it also fills in some plot holes we have in Solo, so I think I will take another gander at watching the film, so I can confirm that theory. This book is not a romance and I am totally here for it. It shows once again the female character doesn’t need to be in love at the end of of a story for the story to be a success.

Final Verdict

The book is good. Is it one you must pick up though? If you want more Qi’ra, yes, pick it up and read it as many times as you want. If you’re looking to fill in some missing details from Solo: A Star Wars Story, absolutely. Other than that, no not really. The book is well written, don’t get me wrong; I’ll be look into more of what Rae Carson is writing. I’m held up on the fact that the Empire is involved for the smallest detail. The plot aspect is so minuscule though. Is it really worth getting hung up over?

The answer is unfortunately yes. We’re ready to see new villains in Star Wars. Let go of the past and let it die! Not really. But let’s spice it up a little bit please.

Story: 3.5/5 stars

Character Development 4.5/5 stars

Overall: 4/5 stars

Star of the Book: Qi’ra

If you’ve got a book you want me to review, let me know! Send me an email katie@wobamentertainment.com, or send me a tweet, @kgilstrap13.
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Katie Rentschler

Clemson University Graduate. Lover of all things Star Wars and DC.